System and method for remote control based customization

ABSTRACT

A system and method for customizing a user interface. The method includes receiving an input signal from a remote control device. The input signal may include an input command and identification information operable to be used for identifying the remote control device. A determination is made as to whether the remote control device has sufficient rights for execution of the input command by a content access system. In response to a determination of sufficient rights, a profile associated with the remote control is accessed. A customized user interface is then presented according to the profile.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are generally related to remotecontrol functionality for content presentation devices and systems, suchas televisions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As technology advances, content access devices including display devicessuch as televisions and media players such as digital video disc (DVD)players are increasingly being used by multiple people in a household.Often each device comes with only a single remote control device meaningthat each user has complete control to access all the features of thedevice. For example, a child may be able to access content deemedinappropriate, such as rated R content, or be able to adjust displaysettings such as brightness. Similarly, the amount of content hasincreased rapidly necessitating electronic program guides (EPGs) to helpusers navigate the many content choices. Unfortunately, increases in thequantity of content have made efficient navigation of the contentdifficult using a remote control device.

Conventional systems have allowed content restrictions such as V chipblocking to be put in place. However, the content restrictions requireusers with access privileges to be authenticated before accessingrestricted content. This can quickly become cumbersome if a parent needsto routinely to enter a password each time he or she wishes to accesscertain content.

Further, users may each prefer different device settings. For example, auser may prefer particular settings such as a particular brightnesssetting, list of favorite channels, etc. and thus may have to adjustthese settings each time he or she uses a television. Unfortunately,other users are impacted by the settings configured by the previoususers and may need to change the configuration routinely to watchcontent with their preferred settings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, a need exists for an electronic system that can provide customizedfeatures according to each user. Embodiments of the present inventionprovide a user interface customization system which may be integratedwith a content access system (e.g., television, set top box, DVD player,etc.). The customized user interface may be customized based on anidentifier that originates from one of many remote control devices andaccording to a profile of configuration settings associated with anidentified remote control device. Thus, embodiments of the presentinvention allow multiple people use the same content access system whilehaving a user interface customized to their particular preferences basedon the remote control device that is used to interface with the system.

In one embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a method forcustomizing a user interface of a content access system (e.g.,television, set top box, DVD player, etc.). The method includesreceiving an input signal from a remote control device. The remote maybe one of several remote control devices that are capable of interfacingwith the content access system, e.g., supplied with the purchase or werepurchased separately, each having unique identification information. Theinput signal may include an input command and identification informationoperable to be used for identifying the remote control device. Adetermination is then made as to whether the remote control device hassufficient rights for execution of the input command by the contentaccess system. In response to a determination of sufficient rights, aprofile associated with the particular identified remote control isaccessed. A customized user interface is then presented according to thespecific profile (e.g., the configuration settings in the profile).

In another embodiment, the present invention is implemented as a systemfor customizing a user interface using remote control devices. Thesystem includes an execution rights module for determining whether aremote control command can be executed and a user interface module forcustomizing a user interface of the content access system based on aremote control profile. The system further includes a data storeoperable to store one or more remote control profiles and remote controlidentification information associated with each of the one or moreremote control profiles. The remote control profiles may bepreconfigured, manually configured, or configured based on configurationand user behavior monitoring. In this way, a user experience relating tothe content access system varies based on the remote control devicebeing used on the system.

The system may also optionally include a transmitter to transmit signalsto devices with sufficient rights to execute a received input command.For example, a primary (e.g., parent's remote) remote control device mayreceive a signal sent via the transmitter to indicate that a restricted(e.g., child's remote) remote control device is issuing commands.

In this manner, embodiments of the present invention implement amechanism for customizing user interfaces according to a remote controldevice being used and thereby customizing the user interface (e.g.,functionality and content access) according to the user. Further,certain users (e.g., children) may use restricted remote control deviceswhich have filtering settings enabled so the users only see appropriatecontent. Thus, each user may have a user experience tailored to his orher needs and certain users (e.g., child) may have customized access tocontent determined by another user (e.g., parent).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by wayof limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in whichlike reference numerals refer to similar elements.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary system for providing a customized userinterface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary content access system for providing acustomized user interface in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary remote control system for controlling acontent access system in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary communication diagram in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of an exemplary process for customizing a userinterface in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with thepreferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intendedto limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, theinvention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications andequivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in thefollowing detailed description of embodiments of the present invention,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will be recognizedby one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownmethods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described indetail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments of thepresent invention.

Notation and Nomenclature:

Some portions of the detailed descriptions, which follow, are presentedin terms of procedures, steps, logic blocks, processing, and othersymbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computermemory. These descriptions and representations are the means used bythose skilled in the data processing arts to most effectively convey thesubstance of their work to others skilled in the art. A procedure,computer executed step, logic block, process, etc., is here, andgenerally, conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps orinstructions leading to a desired result. The steps are those requiringphysical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though notnecessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magneticsignals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, andotherwise manipulated in a computer system. It has proven convenient attimes, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to thesesignals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers,or the like.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar termsare to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and aremerely convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unlessspecifically stated otherwise as apparent from the followingdiscussions, it is appreciated that throughout the present invention,discussions utilizing terms such as “processing” or “accessing” or“executing” or “storing” or “rendering” or the like, refer to the actionand processes of a computer system (e.g., system 200 of FIG. 2), orsimilar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transformsdata represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computersystem's registers and memories into other data similarly represented asphysical quantities within the computer system memories or registers orother such information storage, transmission or display devices.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate exemplary components used by variousembodiments of the present invention. Although specific components aredisclosed in systems 100 and 200 it should be appreciated that suchcomponents are examples. That is, embodiments of the present inventionare well suited to having various other components or variations of thecomponents recited in systems 100 and 200. It is appreciated that thecomponents in systems 100 and 200 may operate with other components thanother those presented, and that not all of the components of systems 100and 200 may be required to achieve the goals of systems 100 and 200. Itis appreciated that embodiments of system 100 include a variety ofelectronic devices that can be controlled remotely, including but notlimited to computers, display devices, televisions, cathode ray tube(CRT) displays, computer monitors, liquid crystal displays (LCDs),plasma displays, projection displays, projectors, portable devices, gameconsoles, and handheld devices, set top box (STB), laserdisc, blu-rayplayer, digital versatile disc (DVD), IPTV, cable STB, etc.

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary electronic system operable for customizing auser interface in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. System 100 may customize a user interface based on anidentifier corresponding to a remote control device received along withan input command from the remote control device. Multiple remote controldevices with different identifiers can be used to control system 100.The identifier can be sent via a variety of communication formats orprotocols including, but not limited to, infrared (IR) or radiofrequency (RF). System 100 includes execution rights module 102, userinterface customization module 104, data store 106, optional transmittermodule 108, and user configuration module 110.

Embodiments of the present invention are operable to customize a userinterface relating to system 100 based on identification of one or moreremote control devices and thereby expected users. It is appreciatedthat a variety of user identification mechanisms may be used including,but not limited to, a password, biometric measurements or readings(e.g., fingerprint scans), radio-frequency identification (RFID), andidentification based on presence of a device (e.g., the presence of aspecific Bluetooth device, e.g., cell phone, could allow a remote to beauthorized to the level registered with a parent's Bluetooth device),etc. It is further appreciated that the identification based on a remotecontrol device identifier removes the need of a user to change settingseach time he or she uses the content access system (e.g., television)and further provides automatic and convenient identification.

Execution rights module 102 determines whether a remote control commandcan be executed. Executions rights module 102 uses the identificationinformation received from a remote control device to determine whether acommand received from the remote control is to be executed based onprescribed authorization settings related to each recognized remotecontrol device.

Execution module 102 may determine whether an input command may beexecuted based on a priority hierarchy. The input command may bereceived from a master or primary remote control device (e.g., father ormaster remote), secondary (e.g., mother remote), or a restricted remotecontrol device (e.g., child remote). Each remote control device may havedifferent execution rights which execution module 102 uses to determinewhether a command should be executed.

In one embodiment, execution module 102 may not execute commands for therestricted remote after a primary or secondary remote has executedcommands. For example, if a primary remote control device (e.g., fatherremote control) was used to select a station or channel and shortlythereafter a restricted remote control device (e.g., child remote)issues a command, execution module 102 may determine that the commandfrom the restricted remote is not to be executed. It is appreciated thatthe content access system could be supplied with multiple remotes withone remote preconfigured or defaulted as the master or primary remotecontrol device and the others being secondary or restricted remotecontrol devices.

In one embodiment, where unidirectional remote control devices are beingused, the commands from a restricted remote may not be executed withoutfeedback. In another embodiment, where bidirectional remote controls arebeing used, feedback may be provided to the primary and secondary remotecontrol devices, as described herein, to notify the users of the primaryor secondary remotes that a restricted remote is trying to have commandsexecuted.

Execution rights module 102 may further set a time for which therestricted remote control device's commands will not be executed basedon a last received command from the master remote. In one embodiment,the time is determined based on how long a program, track, or piece ofcontent lasts. For example, the length of a television program may bedetermined based on the associated EPG data or Program System ProtocolInformation (PSIP) sent along with a digital broadcast. The restrictedremote control device's commands may thus not be executed until the timeperiod (e.g., program) is over. For instance, if the master remoteselected a program to watch, the restricted remote could not change anychannels until the program was over.

User interface customization module 104 customizes the functionality andsettings of the electronic system based on a selected profile associatedwith the remote control. The user interface may provide customizedaccess to content access system functionality based on the remotecontrol profile. User interface customization module 104 may customizethe user interface based on the remote control device identified for avariety of functions or settings including but not limited to, displayof menus, menu items, turning picture on and off, changing volume,changing channel, brightness, contrast, white balance, picture settings,zoom, color mode, sound mode, picture mode, surround sound, invoking achannel guide, input selection, resolution setting, and selection ofletter box of wide screen mode, languages, sub titles, object sizes,sound settings, and bass settings.

For example, a when a child or restricted remote invokes a menu, userinterface customization module 104 may customize the graphical userinterface so as to hide or not display a picture and brightness settingsmenu item or other advanced settings related to the picture quality. Incontrast, a father's remote or primary remote may have access to thepicture settings menu and the corresponding menu item may be displayedas part of a user interface customized by the user interfacecustomization module 104. As another example, for a grandparent forwhich English is a second language, user interface customization module104 may automatically increase the menu or EPG font size or change thedisplay language based on the profile associated with the grandparent'sremote control. Additionally user controlled options for closedcaptioning may be restricted to the grandparent's remote.

User interface customization module 104 may further customize content orcontent access based on the profile associated with the remote. Userinterface customization module 104 may customized the electronicprogramming guide (EPG) of a content access system. For example, when achild's or restricted remote control device is used to invoke an EPG,user interface customization module 104 automatically customizes the EPGto include only those stations or channels having PG or Y7 ratings orprogramming. Changing channels also automatically skips over blockedcontent. In one exemplary embodiment, a restricted or child's remotecontrol device will have a TV tuned to the next available unrestrictedchannel (e.g., with available content) upon a channel up/down command.

User interface customization module 104 may thus remove R rated contentand pay per view (PPV) content and also video on demand (VOD) content soas to prevent a child from making purchases or watching inappropriate oradult programming. It is appreciated that a profile associated with arestricted remote may come preconfigured to have V chip content blockingenabled. It is further appreciated that a restricted remote may bepurchased separately with a predetermined identification thatcorresponds to a predefined restricted profile, in such a case little tono configuration of the profile associated with the restricted remotewould be required.

User interface module 104 may also customize a favorites menu or channelmap according to a remote control device profile. The customization ofthe favorites menu or channel map may thus allow multiple users of thecontent access system to each have their own set of favorites. Forexample, a father with a primary remote may have business and sportschannels in his favorites, while a mother with a secondary remote hascooking and science channels in her favorites and a child with arestricted remote has cartoon channels in his favorites. It isappreciated the favorites menu or channel map could be part of an EPGdisplay. For example, the EPG could be customized so as to includecertain categories of stations first while other categories are notshown. A father using a primary remote may thus have sports stationslisted first and have cartoons removed.

Data store 106 is operable to store one or more remote control profilesand remote control identification information associated with each ofthe one or more remote control profiles. The profiles may bepreconfigured and may be further customized. The profiles may beconfigured via user configuration module 110.

Transmitter module 108 is operable to transmit a signal to a remotecontrol device with sufficient rights to execute a received command.Transmitter module 108 may transmit a signal to a bidirectional remotecontrol device in response to an input command received from a remotecontrol device without sufficient rights. For example, transmittermodule 108 may signal a primary or father remote after an input commandhas been received from a restricted or child remote. Transmitter 108 mayfurther transmit a signal to the restricted remote that issued thecommand so that the restricted remote may provide audible or visualnotification or feedback that remote is subservient to another remotecontrol device.

User configuration module 110 facilitates setting of user configurationsettings and storing the user configuration settings in a remote controlprofile. In one embodiment, the primary or father remote may utilize thefunctionality of user configuration module 110 to configure the settingsfor a secondary (e.g., mother) or restricted (e.g., child) remote. Forexample, the primary remote may be used to change the settings of the Vchip blocking for the profile associated with the child's remote.Similarly, a secondary remote may be used to configure settings for theprofile associated with the secondary remote and the child's remote.

User configuration module 110 may include configuration monitoringmodule 112. Configuration monitoring module 112 may observe or learnconfigurations settings (e.g., brightness, language, user interfaceelement sizes, user channel selection, etc.) and store the userconfigurations via data store 106. For example, configuration monitoringmodule 112 may observe frequent selection of sports, news, and comedychannels and automatically add each channel to the favorites mapassociated with the remote control device used to make the selections.Furthermore, the configuration monitoring module may map the usersettings for language and/or closed captioning for each remote or user.User configuration module 112 could further prompt a user to saveselections to a profile associated with the remote control device.

In this fashion, embodiments of the present invention implement aprocess to automatically provide a customized user interface andbehavior for each of one or more remotes used with the system. Forexample, each remote may have a set of favorite channels associated withthe remote. Embodiments of the present invention further provide forcertain remote control devices to have priority or precedence over otherremotes. For example, commands from a child's remote may not be executedwhen a parent's remote is deemed to be active or has selected a program.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary content access system for providing acustomized user interface in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. System 200 includes content receiver 202, displaycontroller 204, display screen 206, command receiver 208, commandprocessor 214, audio controller 216, transmitter 218, user interfacecustomizer 220 (e.g., system 100), cable or satellite connection 222,internet connection 224, and processor 222. Processor 222 may carry outvarious operations for the various components of system 200.

Content receiver 202 receives content for system 200. Receiver 202 mayreceive signals including content from a variety of sources including,but not limited to, computers, computer networks, portable devices, settop boxes, over the air broadcasts, cable broadcasts, satellitebroadcasts, Digital versatile Discs (DVDs), Blu-ray discs, Digital VideoBroadcasting-Handheld (DVB-H), Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB),Digital Video Broadcasting Satellite services to Handhelds (DVB-SH),Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), Digital Video Broadcasting IPDatacasting (DVB-IPDC), Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), etc.Content receiver 202 may receive content (e.g., electronic programmingguide information and other content) via cable or satellite connection222 and internet connection 224.

Display controller 204 controls display screen 206 of system 200.Display controller 204 may control a variety of display screensassociated with system 200, including but not limited to, CRTs, LCDs,plasma displays, projection based, and Digital Light Processing (DLP)displays.

Command receiver 208 receives commands and identifies. Command receiver208 may receive commands and identifiers via a variety of receiversincluding, but not limited to, infrared receiver and radio frequencyreceivers. The commands may have been issued via a remote control (e.g.,system 300 of FIG. 3). Command receiver 208 is operable to receivecommands and identifiers from multiple remotes control devices. Commandreceiver 208 is operable to pass the commands and identifiers receivedto user interface customizer 220.

Command processor 214 processes commands and identifiers received fromuser interface customizer 220. The commands received are processed andexecuted by system 200 via command processor 214 depending on the remotecontrol identifier. For example, control codes (e.g., increase volume,change channel, EPG selection, launch an application, launch webbrowser, etc.) may be received by via an infrared receiver or radiofrequency receiver, decoded, processed or filtered by user interfacecustomizer 220 and sent to command processor 214.

In one exemplary embodiment, user interface customizer 200 includesprofiles 224. Profiles 224 may include multiple profiles 1, 2, 3, n eachcorresponding to a remote control device. Each profile may include avariety of customization information including, but not limited to, userinterface customization information (e.g., font size, language,functionality access, favorites, EPG customizations, V-Chip, closedcaptions, etc.), rights or privilege information (e.g., which remotecontrols are able to execute certain functions), usage information(e.g., for allowing a parent to track how much and what content a childis watching), and over-ride information (e.g., support for a command tobe entered into a restricted or subordinate remote to over-ride aprofile). In one embodiment, profiles 224 may be stored in memory 226.User interface customizer 220 thus filters or controls the commandsreceived by command processor 214 based on profiles 224. In oneembodiment, profiles 224 may be used to determine whether commands canbe executed based on the presence of a master remote control. Forexample, a restricted remote may be able to access restricted featuresbased on the presence of a master remote as an option. Similarly, therestricted remote may revert back to restricted functionality when themaster remote is not present.

Audio controller 216 controls audio output for system 200 including avariety of outputs including, but not limited to, 2, 2.1, 3.1, 5.1, 6.1,7.1, and 8.1 channel audio. The audio content may be received viacontent receiver 202. It is appreciated that audio controller 216 mayoutput to audio equipment integrated within system 200.

Transmitter 218 may send signals to a remote control device (e.g., fromtransmitter module 108). The signals may include, but are not limitedto, notification of input commands from subservient remote controldevices (e.g., child or restricted remote control devices) andnotification that commands are not being executed (e.g., to a child'sremote).

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary remote control system for controlling acontent access system in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. System 300 includes command communication module 302,buttons/keypad 308, identification information module 310, optionaldisplay 312, power source 314, communication bus 316, and useridentification module 320. Communications bus 316 facilitatescommunication between the components of system 300 including, but notlimited to, command communication module 302, buttons/keypad 308,identification information module 310, optional display 312. In oneembodiment, system 300 maybe a hand held remote control device.

Command communication module 302 includes a transmitter 304 operable tocommunicate control signals and an identification to a device (e.g.,system 200). In one embodiment, command communication module 302 may bean infrared (IR) transmitter or a radio frequency (RF) transmitter.Transmitter 304 may further be operable to transmit signal indicatingthat a remote control device is active. For example, accelerometers orgyroscopes may be used to track the use of a primary or secondary remoteand correspondingly a content access system may not execute commandsfrom a restricted remote while the primary or second remotes arereported active via the accelerometers or gyroscopes. If a primary orsecondary remote control device is deemed to be non active, transmitter304 may signal the content access system (e.g., system 200) to promptwhether to relinquish control (e.g., “Do you wish to relinquish controlto a subordinate remote control”).

Command communication module 302 may include optional receiver 306 whichis operable to receive signals from the device being controlled (e.g.,system 200). Receiver 306 may facilitate system 300 notifying a userthat a command has been issued from a restricted remote that will not beexecuted. For example, a primary remote and a restricted remote controldevice may receive a signal that the restricted remote is trying tochange the station. It is appreciated that embodiments of the presentinvention may use a variety of wireless communication formats orprotocols including, but not limited to, 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth, Zwave, or other wireless standards or protocols.

Buttons/keypad 308 allows entry of commands into system 300 which maythen be used to control a device (e.g., system 200). Buttons/keypad 308may include, but not limited to, navigations pads, keyboards (e.g.,QWERTY), up/down button, and the like. Buttons/keypad 308 may becustomized for specific users. For example, fewer or larger buttons forremote control devices for children, senior citizens, or the visuallyimpaired.

Power source 316 provides power for system 300. Power source 316 may beportable power source including, but not limited to, batteries,rechargeable batteries (e.g., lithium ion, nickel metal hydride,nickel-cadmium, etc.).

Identification information module 310 facilitates automation of the useridentification process by physically having different remote controlunits each with an identifier thereby facilitating each remote controldevice being associated with each viewer in a household. Identificationinformation module 310 may include ID information 318 which includesidentification information which may be transmitted with each commandand used to identify system 300 (e.g., a remote control device) to acontent presentation device (e.g., system 200). Identificationinformation module 310 may further facilitate identification via useridentification module 320. User identification module 320 may include avariety of user identification technologies including, but not limitedto, passwords, biometric sensors (e.g., for fingerprint scans), andradio-frequency identification (RFID), and identification based onpresence of a device (e.g., the presence of a specific Bluetooth device,e.g., cell phone, could allow a remote to be authorized to the levelregistered with a parent's Bluetooth device), etc. Identificationinformation module 310 may provide different identification informationbased on a user identified via user identification module 320. Useridentification information module 320 may thus restrict users from usinga particular remote control device (e.g., restrict children from using amaster or parent's remote). It is appreciated that user identificationmodule 320 may be optional and each or only certain remote controldevices may have user identification technologies.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary communication sequence 400 between a contentaccess system 408 (e.g., system 200) and primary control unit 402,secondary control unit 404, and restricted control unit 406 inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. It isappreciated that content access system 408 may receive command for anynumber of control units and such communication sequences as shown inFIG. 4 are exemplary. It is appreciated that the communications betweencontrol units 402-406 and content access system 408 may occur via avariety of interfaces including, but not limited to, an infraredtransmitter/receiver, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter/receiver, orcombination thereof etc.

At step 410, primary control unit 402 sends an input command to contentaccess system 408. As described herein, the input command may include avariety of commands including, but not limited to, EPG navigation andchannel selections, volume up/down, content access system settingsmenus, etc. In response to the input command, content access system 408performs block 412 and displays a customized user interface (UI) forprimary control unit 402 according to a first profile associated withprimary control unit 402. Content access system 408 may thus continue todisplay a customized UI in response to input commands from primarycontrol unit 402.

At step 414, an active/inactive signal is sent to content access system408. As described herein, the active/inactive signal may be based onaccelerometers or gyroscopes in primary control unit 402 for measuringmovement or manipulation of control unit 402. If the active/inactivesignal contains information indicating that primary control unit 402 isinactive, content access system 408 may perform block 418 and prompt toallow execution of command from a restricted control unit upon inputcommands being received from a restricted control unit.

At step 420, secondary control unit 404 sends an input command tocontent access system 408. In response to the input command, contentaccess system 408 performs block 422 and displays a customized userinterface (UI) for secondary control unit 404 according to a secondprofile associated with secondary control unit 404. Content accesssystem 408 may thus continue to display a customized UI in response toinput commands from secondary control unit 404.

At step 424, an active/inactive signal is sent to content access system408. As described herein, the active/inactive signal may be based onaccelerometers or gyroscopes in secondary control unit 404 for measuringmovement or manipulation of control unit 404. If the active/inactivesignal contains information indicating that secondary control unit 404is inactive, content access system 408 may perform block 428 and promptto allow execution of command from a restricted control unit upon inputcommands being received from a restricted control unit.

At step 430, restricted control unit 406 sends an input command tocontent access system 408. Content Access system 408 may determinewhether the restricted remote has rights to have the input commandexecuted. In response the restricted control unit having sufficientrights for execution of the input command, content access system 408performs block 422 and displays a customized user interface (UI) forrestricted control unit 406 according to a third profile associated withremote control unit 406. Content access system 408 may thus continue todisplay a customized UI in response to input commands from restrictedcontrol unit 406.

If the restricted control unit does not have sufficient rights to havethe input command executed, content access system 408 may then performstep 434 and send notification of non-executed commands. In response,restricted control unit 406 may audible or visually indicate to the user(e.g., child) of a restricted control unit that commands are not beingexecuted. In addition, content access system 408 may perform steps 416and 426 and send notification to primary control unit 402 and secondarycontrol unit 404 that a restricted control unit is sending commands tocontent access system 408. Primary control unit 402 and secondarycontrol unit 404 may indicate audible or visual to the users (e.g.,parents) of primary and second control units that a restricted controlunit is sending commands.

With reference to FIG. 5, flowchart 500 illustrates example functionsused by various embodiments of the present invention. Flowchart 500includes processes that, in various embodiments, are carried out by aprocessor under the control of computer-readable and computer-executableinstructions which may be stored on a computer-readable medium. Althoughspecific function blocks (“blocks”) are disclosed in flowchart 500, suchsteps are examples. That is, embodiments are well suited to performingvarious other blocks or variations of the blocks recited in flowchart500. It is appreciated that the blocks in flowchart 500 may be performedin an order different than presented, and that not all of the blocks inflowchart 500 may be performed.

FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a process for customizing a user interfacein accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The portionsof flowchart 500 may be carried out by a content access system (e.g.,system 200, content access system 408, television, etc.) and userinterface customization module (e.g., user interface customizer 220 orsystem 100).

At block 502, an input signal is received from a remote control device.The input signal may include an input command and identificationinformation operable to be used for identifying the remote controldevice. The input signal may be from one of multiple remotes sending theinput signal to a TV, media source, or other content access system (settop box (STB), DVD player).

At block 504, a unique profile associated with the identified remotecontrol is accessed. In one exemplary embodiment, the profile isselected based on the identification information in the input signal. Atblock 506, whether the remote control device has sufficient rights forexecution of the input command is determined. As described herein, theidentification information of the input signal may be compared toidentification information in a data store (e.g., data store 106)comprising profiles (e.g., profiles 224) associated with remote controldevices. The determination of rights may further be based on the lengthof time for a piece of content (e.g., TV program) determined based on anEPG selected from an unrestricted remote (e.g., primary or secondaryremote control device).

At block 508, a user interface is customized according to the profile ispresented. As described herein, the profile may include various userinterface customization settings including, but removing user selectableelements, customized content, access to content access systemfunctionality, customized EPGs, increased user element sizes, increasedfont size, and a favorites list.

At block 510, in response to a determination of insufficient rights, aremote control device which has sufficient rights for execution of theinput command is signaled. As described herein, where a command has beenreceived from a restricted (e.g., child's remote) remote control device,a signal may be sent to a primary or secondary remote control device(e.g., parent's remote) to indicate that a restricted remote is issuingcommands. The restricted remote control devices may thus be signaledthat it has insufficient rights.

At block 512, a prompt may be presented for as to whether a commandissued from a remote control device having insufficient rights is to beexecuted. As described herein, if a command from a restricted remotewill not be executed because of insufficient rights, a prompt that willbe responsive to an input command from a primary or secondary remotecontrol device may be presented to allow the commands from therestricted remote to be executed.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and many modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodimentswere chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of theinvention and its practical application, to thereby enable othersskilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodimentswith various modifications as are suited to the particular usecontemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be definedby the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

1. A method of customizing a user interface of an electronic devicecomprising: receiving an input signal from a first remote controldevice, wherein said input signal comprises: an input command; andidentification information operable to be used for identifying saidfirst remote control device, among a plurality of remote control devicesthat are recognized by said electronic device; in response to saididentification information, accessing a first profile associated withsaid first remote control; based on said first profile, determiningwhether said first remote control device has sufficient rights forexecution of said input command; and presenting a user interfacecustomized according to said first profile.
 2. The method of claim 1further comprising: signaling a second remote control device, whereinsaid second remote control device has sufficient rights for execution ofsaid input command.
 3. The method of claim 1 further comprising:prompting as to whether a command issued from a remote control devicehaving insufficient rights is to be executed.
 4. The method of claim 1wherein said user interface is customized to remove user selectableelements based on said first profile associated with said first remotecontrol.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein said user interface comprisescustomized content based on said first profile associated with saidfirst remote control.
 6. The method of claim 1 further comprising:receiving an input signal from a second remote control device; andpresenting a user interface customized according to a second profileassociated with said second remote control device.
 7. The method ofclaim 1 wherein said user interface comprises customized access tofunctionality of said electronic device based on said first profileassociated with said first remote control.
 8. The method of claim 1wherein said user interface comprises a customized electronicprogramming guide (EPG) customized for said first remote control.
 9. Themethod of claim 8 wherein elements of said EPG have customized fontsize.
 10. The method of claim 9 wherein a length of time defining rightsof said first remote control are determined based on program lengthsspecified in said EPG.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein said userinterface comprises a favorites list.
 12. A system for customizing auser interface of an electronic system comprising: an execution rightsmodule for determining whether a command originated from a specificremote control device can be executed; a user interface module forcustomizing a user interface of said electronic system based on a remotecontrol profile of a plurality of stored remote control profiles; and adata store operable to store said plurality of remote control profilesand remote control identification information associated with eachremote control profile.
 13. A system as described in claim 12 furthercomprising: a transmitter operable to transmit a signal to a remotecontrol device with sufficient rights to execute a received command. 14.A system as described in claim 12 further comprising: a userconfiguration module for facilitating user configuration of a remotecontrol profile.
 15. A system as described in claim 12 wherein said userinterface comprises customized content based on said remote controlprofile associated with said specific remote control device.
 16. Asystem as described in claim 12 wherein said user interface comprisescustomized access to content available on said electronic system basedon said remote control profile.
 17. A system as described in claim 12wherein said user interface is customized to a language based on saidremote control profile.
 18. A computer readable media comprisinginstructions that when executed by a processor implement a method ofcustomizing a user interface of an electronic device, said methodcomprising: receiving an input signal from a first remote controldevice, wherein said input signal comprises: an input command; andidentification information operable to be used for identifying saidfirst remote control device, among a plurality of remote control devicesthat are recognized by said electronic device; in response to saididentification information, accessing a first profile associated withsaid first remote control; based on said first profile, determiningwhether said first remote control device has sufficient rights forexecution of said input command; and presenting a user interfacecustomized according to said profile.
 19. The computer readable media ofclaim 18 wherein said identification information is based on a biometricsensor.
 20. The computer readable media of claim 18 wherein saididentification information is based on a radio-frequency communication.